Name: David Myers
UNCW Swimming & Diving Class of 1999
Events: 50, 100, & 200 free
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Profession: Clinical Risk Manager
Current residence: Mebane, North Carolina
What is your favorite memory of being part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program?
My favorite memory of the UNCW Swimming and Diving program is the spirit of Coach Allen. When I visited UNCW as a senior in high school I had no intention of joining the swim team. A coach of mine just happened to be at the pool when my father and I were on a tour, and he introduced me to Coach Allen. My times were not spectacular, but coach treated me like a top recruit. Through all my ups and downs he never stopped believing in me, even going so far on occasion as having upperclassman take me under their wing (on his instruction) when he could tell that I was losing heart and needed help coping with the physical demands of college swimming. Coach is the spirit of encouragement. For that I will always be grateful.
How has your experience as part of UNCW’s Swimming & Diving program impacted or influenced your life?
In the program I learned the rewards of a physical regimen that orders one’s time and energies. I used to think during a 3 hour practice “man, if I could just get this time back, I would get so much done.” I learned when it was over that this was not the case. Very soon after the four years were over, I realized that the physical regimen was a fire and fuel for life, a balance. Thanks to four years of swimming I have never since gone a substantial amount of time without regular exercise. Swimming for Coach Allen also prepared my body to survive and thrive through the rigors of two cancers, and I can remember when a friend asked me about chemotherapy saying “it’s got nothing on Christmas training with Coach Allen!”
What have you been up to since your days on the UNCW pool deck?
After UNCW I spent a year teaching, survived cancer, and studied for the Catholic Priesthood before deciding to get married, and I have been working at Duke Hospital now for 16 years. My wife and I live in Mebane, North Carolina with our 10-year-old son and our foster daughters who are 7 and 6 years old.
Favorite stomping grounds from your time at UNCW?
Matt Allen, Matt “Slick” Cleaver and I lived at a crummy little house (243 Spruce Dr.) that was quite a place to be on a Saturday night! If you happen to be lucky enough to see Matt Allen swim a 200 IM on the carpet, in his training suit and his “swedes,” you knew you had hung in there until the very crescendo of the party!
Favorite UNCW Swimming & Diving slogan or cheer?
I imagine it might be frowned upon now, but closing the Star-Spangled Banner with “HOME OF THE SEAHAWKS” always gave me chills.
Parting advice for current UNCW Swimmers and Divers and/or recent alumni?
For current swimmers and divers: drink less, eat right, lift weights, sleep well, and do everything you can to be an apex predator in the water now, because you are at the height of your physical powers. For recent alumni: never abandon the water. She will always soothe what ails you. Stay in touch with swimming and diving.